Vinyl pressings
by R.E.M. · 1985
Cant Get There From Here was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 6 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
MC-18121 SS3 ◈-P-◈ IRun-out side A variant 1
MC-18321 SS 4 ◈-P-◈ IIRun-out side B variant 1
MC-18121- SS4 ◈-P-◈ IRun-out side A variant 2
MC-18321- SS 3 ◈-P-◈ IRun-out side B variant 2
MC-18121-SS2 3Run-out, side A, etched, variant 1
MC-18321-SS1 1Run-out, side B, etched, variant 1
回-G-回 PRunouts, stamped, variant 1
MC-18121-SS2 3Run-out, side A, etched, variant 2
MC-18320-E SS3 ♦-P-♦Both runouts
MC18320EBoth labels
MCA-4566 SS3 ◈-P-◈Side 1 etched ◈-P-◈ stamped
MCA-4567 SS2 ◈-P-◈Side 2 etched ◈-P-◈ stamped
MCA4566Side 1 Label
MCA4567Side 2 Label
MC - 18320 - E SS1 1 ▣-G̶-▣Runout, side A
MC - 18320 - E SS1 ▣-G̶-▣ 2Runout, side B
MC 18320ELabels, both sides
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | I.R.S. Records ES 1082First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | I.R.S. Records ES 1082First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | I.R.S. Records IRS-52642First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | I.R.S. Records IRS-52642First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Europe | I.R.S. Records ILSA 12.6384 / I.R.S. Records A 12-6384First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Europe | I.R.S. Records ILSA 6384 / I.R.S. Records A 6384First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Spain | Illegal Records ILS A 6384 / Epic ILS A 6384First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | EpicFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | I.R.S. Records IRT 102First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | I.R.S. Records L33-17004First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1985 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-52642First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-52642First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-52642First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | US | I.R.S. Records L33-17004First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | I.R.S. Records IRT 102First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
18 vinyl pressings of Cant Get There From Here are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is I.R.S. Records IRS-52642.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IRS-52642, L33-17004, IRT 102, IRM102) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC-18121 SS3 ◈-P-◈ I and MC-18321 SS 4 ◈-P-◈ II. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
